Protect your older dog’s health with a pet insurance policy
Select from plans that cover injuries, illnesses and wellness care.
How pet insurance works for older dogs
Dog insurance for senior pets helps you provide the best care possible for your dog.
Visit your vet
Visit any vet, including specialists and emergency providers.
Submit your claim
Submit a claim along with your paid invoice.
Get reimbursed
Receive reimbursement for eligible vet expenses.
More coverage for your older dog than you’ll find anywhere else
With nearly four decades of experience protecting senior dogs, we know that coverage counts. Compare us to other pet insurance companies and you’ll understand why.
Every Nationwide pet insurance member enjoys:
Always There Pet CareSM
Use any vet, anywhere
24/7 VetHelpline® access
Unlimited pet advice
Nationwide PetRxExpressSM
Save money on pet meds
Nationwide PetRxExpressSM
Save money on pet meds
Preferred pricing plus convenient automatic claims for pet prescriptions filled at in-store Walmart or Sam’s Club pharmacies.
Bring a written prescription to your local Walmart or Sam’s Club or have your vet call it in
Show your digital pet insurance ID card at checkout (available at my.petinsurance.com after sign up)
Save on pet meds and enjoy the convenience of having your claim automatically submitted
Important disclosures: Some exclusions may apply. For example, certain coverages may be excluded due to pre-existing or chronic conditions, or hereditary or congenital disorders. Other exclusions may apply. Please refer to the exclusions section of the policy for more information. Coverage limitations from waiting periods, deductibles, coinsurance, or policy limits may also apply. Premiums may increase at renewal based on various factors like a pet’s age, breed, location, or claim history depending on the plan selected. Wellness plans not available in all states.
Having pet insurance means that we can provide the care that she needs without worrying about going broke. It’s good for her, it’s good for us.
- Melissa, pet parent of Freyja
Health & wellness for senior dogs
At this age, it’s all about quality of life. Your dog may walk a little slower, but that tail still wags at lightning speed. Monitor your senior dog’s health with routine wellness check-ups.
FAQs about pet insurance
Different breeds age at different rates, but on average, a dog is considered “senior” after their 8th birthday.
It’s always a good idea to have a pet insurance plan, no matter your dog’s age. If you’re enrolling your older dog in a medical plan for the first time, certain things may be excluded from coverage as pre-existing. However, preventive care coverage is available without exclusions and is a great way to keep up with your older dog’s annual checkups and wellness care.
We want to make care accessible to as many pets as possible, which is why we try to keep exclusions to a minimum. Please see your policy for full details.
Our plans generally don’t cover:
- Pre-existing conditions
- Waste disposal
- Boarding/grooming
- Tax
The monthly premium for a dog insurance plan for an older dog depends on the type of coverage selected but starts at around $69/month.
As your dog ages, they are more and more likely to have health issues. As a pet parent, you want to make sure providing the best care possible for your dog doesn’t become a financial burden. Pet insurance policies reimburse you for your pet’s medical care so you can focus on keeping your pet healthy—not on what it costs.
Unfortunately, pet insurance companies don’t generally cover pre-existing conditions. However, Nationwide does allow members to request reviews of pre-existing conditions that have been cured, in which case an exception may be added so the condition would be covered.
The annual limit depends on the pet health insurance coverage you select for your dog. See your policy documents for details.
A lot of pet insurance companies have come and gone. The key to picking one you can count on is stability and experience. Some insurance companies pay to use the names of well-known organizations. With Nationwide, what you see is what you get: one of the largest and most trusted financial services companies in the world.
Pet insurance policies reimburse you for your dog’s veterinary care—including medical costs for accidents and illnesses and even wellness care. With Nationwide, you’re free to use any licensed veterinarian.
Prescription food is covered under certain plan types or can be added to other plans with the purchase of an optional rider. Call our sales team to learn more about prescription food coverage options.
Yes, depending on the type of coverage you select.
You’re free to use any licensed veterinarian, including specialists and emergency providers.
Wellness coverage for routine care is available, including physical exams, vaccinations, flea/tick preventives and more.
The amount of coverage you choose depends on your budget and your pet’s breed. Factors to consider include how much medical care is typical for your pet’s breed, and whether you want wellness coverage for expected costs like checkups and vaccinations.
You can add or reduce coverage during your annual policy renewal period. Note: Certain coverage or product upgrades may require underwriting review.